December 2013
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
32
Building Contractors
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HIGHLY COMMENDED
Alice Lane – Phase I
T
he Alice Lane development has set a new benchmark for iconic
buildings on the Sandton Skyline. Not only does it have a unique
design but it is also extremely functional as a multi-tenant and
use building.
Alice Lane Phase I was designed to be as a Four Star rated Green
Building. To achieve this and to ensure all tenant specifications and
requirements were met, strict design and construction guidelines
had to be followed. This was done with the assistance of Solid Green.
Some green features are that grey water is collected in separation
tanks and treated for the re-use of irrigation on the piazza area and
waste management has been designed with all tenants through-out
the building.
Composite Alco-panel and a double glazed unitised system was
used tomake the air-conditioningmore efficient and tomaximise the
use of natural light which makes the building very energy efficient.
A total of 1 172 unitised panels and additional 1 349 stick-systems
glazing panels make up the external closure panels which form the
complete 9 000m
2
of façade system.The unitised glazing systemwas
a ‘design and supply’ method which was done by Façade Solutions
and Pure Consulting.
The main building was divided into two distinctly separate build-
ings linked together on one level by a super slab which was referred
to by the project team as the‘Leaping horse’. Portions of the building
was externally cladded by complex shaped ceilings covered with
Monarch – pressurised plaster andmetal gridwhich gives the impres-
sion of off-shutter concrete.
The ground floor landscaping completes the green look of the
building and makes extensive use of indigenous flora, natural floor
finishes, timber composite walkways and paths and very detailed
water features.
The clients had zero tolerance approach to health and safety
infringements. This set the tone for the client’s consultant Opti-
mum Safety Consultancy and WBHO’s in-house safety department
to worked hand-in-hand in achieving the highest standards.
The project was successfully built in the intended 18 month
construction period which commenced on 1 of February 2012 and
ended 31 July 2013.
The biggest risks were the extremely short construction period
and the high level of detailing and specialised finishes that had to
be achieved. This was successfully managed by working closely with
suppliers and manufacturers to meet the required deadlines.
WBHO believes Alice Lane is a one-of-a-kind building which was
made possible by excellent teamwork between the client, the profes-
sional team, themain contractor and all the subcontractors and suppli-
ers who all didwhatever was necessary tomake this project a success.
Project information
• Name of project: Alice Lane – Phase I
• Company entering: WBHO Construction
• Project start date: 1 February 2012
• Project end date: 31 July 2013
• Client: ABLAND/Pivotal/Standard Bank
• Main contractor: WBHO Construction
• Project team: Paragon Architects, C3, L&S Consulting, Quanticost
Quantity Surveyors, WBHO Construction, Taemane Solutions
• Architect: Paragon Architects
• Principal agents: Paragon Architects
• Project manager: ABLAND
• Quantity surveyor: Quanticost Quantity Surveyors
• Consulting engineer: L&S Consulting
• Project value: R256 779 156
